WRITING

​“Where does evil come from?” At precisely 9:00 AM, the professor began his lecture with this unusual question. Even more unusual was the chalkboard behind him, which read “Introduction to Astronomy”, to assure students that they were in the right class. An uneasy silence filled the room, as no one knew how to respond. “Consider this the course’s first lesson: I do not ask rhetorical questions.” The professor warned. “If you wish to proceed with the class that you, or more likely, your parents, paid so dearly for, then you will give me answers.” They all desperately hoped that someone else would speak up, but no one did. “Come now”, the professor continued, “Surely one among you is devout. Does the church no longer preach about the Devil? Or perhaps it is God who created evil? He did bring everything into existence, after all.” The professor could see some of the students scowl. His lips curled into a smile. “I can see that claim doesn’t sit well with some of you. Is anyone so bold as to object?” “I am.” A young man, clearly a freshman, spoke out. “Very well. Do you believe that God created everything that exists?” the professor asked. “Y-yes”, the student stammered, his bravado now waning. “And it is clear that evil exists.” The professor said, “Therefore, it follows that God created evil. QED” The student sat down, dejectedly. He knew the professor’s type. There was no point in trying to argue. Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question professor?"